ABSTRACT

Introduction
Workplace violence (WPV) has increasingly become a concern in healthcare settings, with nurses, especially in high-pressure environments like the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), being particularly vulnerable. This study explores WPV's prevalence, causes, and effects on nursing staff performance within UBTH, contributing to a broader understanding of how WPV impacts job satisfaction, mental health, and care quality in Nigerian hospitals.
This study aims to assess the prevalence, causes, and effects of workplace violence (WPV) on nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and provide actionable recommendations to reduce WPV incidents and improve workplace safety.
A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 229 randomly selected nurses from various units within UBTH. Data collection involved structured questionnaires focusing on nurses’ experiences, perceived causes of WPV, and the impact of violence on their work. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, with results interpreted through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that the rate of WPV among UBTH nurses is high at a rate of 69%.. Major contributing factors identified include patient and family interactions, staffing shortages, and stressful work environments. The impacts of WPV were significant, leading to increased job dissatisfaction, stress, and reduced quality of care. The study highlights an urgent need for interventions addressing WPV in Nigerian hospitals. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive WPV policies, providing support and training for nurses on conflict management, and raising awareness of WPV reporting mechanisms. Addressing these areas will enhance workplace safety, promote nurse well-being, and improve the quality of patient care at UBTH.

KEY WORDS: workplace violence, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, healthcare, nurses